GARDNER — Voters in the Gardner-Edgerton school district are deciding on a nearly $73 million bond issue. The special mail ballot ends Jan. 31. Most of the new bond issue would be to build a new elementary school and middle school in a new two-school campus near the Plum Creek Subdivision, as well as improvements and technology upgrades at existing schools. The most controversial proposals are for the athletic program, adding a gymnasium, locker rooms, spectator seating and artificial turf at the football stadium. Supporters defend the slightly more than $6 million in athletic expenditures, saying that Gardner-Edgerton is competing in 6-A sports and needs comparable sports facilities. Opponents say enrollment has slowed down, and there’s no need for the athletic improvements, especially during times of economic stagnation. The state will pay 35 percent of the project. The board said the bond issue will be designed so that the property levy increase would be about 3 mills, or about $51 a year more on a $150,000 home. District voters last approved a bond package, for just under $50 million, in 2005. There are duelling Web sites that have information about the bond issue at at www.usd231.com and www.gardnerschoolbond.info.
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m.
